Nice loop trail with rolling ups and downs. Went after a rainy week. There were really muddy parts of the trail that added to the difficulty. Really nice views and changing landscapes through the walk.

There is more shade on the east side of the loop vs the west side, so plan accordingly for which way to do the loop (go clockwise for less shade at the start and more at the end or counterclockwise for more shade at the start and less at the end).

maybe it was time of day but we started off around 1:30pm. clear blue sky but windy... treetops were swaying and branches were creaking as if they were going to crack off and fall down. the pine tree trail is partly closed so that was a bit confusing... we took orchard trail and went for a bit... on the left side as we were hiking up were some homes... it was like hiking in someone's backyard!

as we added more steps into the hike away from our car, it began to feel a bit eerie. while it was nice to have the whole trail to ourselves... we came upon a partly hidden wooden box behind a tree right next to the trail. it was probably the size of a large dumpster. I honestly decided at that moment that we should probably head back. we headed back to the car and called it a day... but the part of the trail we hiked was shaded, great incline, and wide enough to drive through. also saw a lot of horseshoe markings on the ground...

We just this trail this morning. I’m a once a week hiker and we went as a group of 13. We did the entire red highlighted track. In the end it was more like 7.5 miles. We considered this hike...HARD as it was long and took us through several incline hills. We started at 8:04am and completed it at 11:10am. If I hiked a lot, I would agree it’s a moderate rating but if your a beginner I would say it is hard. For beginners take the Alhambra Creek path which cuts across. From the parking lot go through the gate and at the open field take the trail to the left instead of the right side and follow the dotted lines. It will still give you a workout but not as difficult. It’s still a great hike. Lots of shaded trees and a beautiful view at the top of the hill.

Beautiful spot. I enjoy these trails regularly, primarily the Blue Oak. Yesterday I had hiked 3:15 - 4:45pm when I returned to the parking lot to find the back window of my car smashed and items stolen from the rear compartment. EB Parks Police officer came to take a report.

Out visiting from Colorado and we were jonsin for a hike. Born and raised in the Walnut Creek area but never visited Briones before. Took a family visit to go here. Enough history...great hike. Secluded even though you are minutes from town and very easy up and town trail that meanders through the woods. Highly recommended.

Hiked this trail today with my pup (Sep 15). Great weather and had large sections of the trail where I couldn't see or hear anyone. It felt very secluded and had great views throughout, which I loved. Solid workout (~3hrs/1000 cals) and it had inclines/declines throughout. Plenty of lizards and cows. Bikers and horses on trail. Plenty of parking and $3 park entrance fee. Out in the open for majority of trail. Wear trail shoes or hiking boots.

Definitely a hike to go on if you want some sunshine, some shade, a nice trail with mild inclines and water (reservoir) to see along the way. Not sure why this was rated as “hard”. We’d give it a moderate. You can hike as far as you want, and then go back the same way, tailoring the hike to the length of time you desire. We didn’t do the full hike around the reservoir due to time constraints. Bring water and WATCH OUT for poison oak along the sides of trail.

Great hike. Steep ups and downs, great workout. Very well marked. Beautiful views. Well traveled path. Watch out for snakes... there was a rattler in the grass on the side of the path that I nearly stepped on. 50 minutes

Nice hike (loop) from Alhambra Creek station. Partially shaded, wide trails leading up to the lagoons at the top of the trail with clear views across the bay on a clear day. This is a fair weather hike.

Did the Seabord to Crest loop and it was spectacular. Small creek, so many beautiful wild flowers phenomenal views. Great workout. Lots of steep up and downs. Nice trail. I would suggest staying in the trail. We took my dogs and went off trail for picnic and came out covered in nettles and ticks so that was a bit of a nuisance to have to pick off, but if you stick on the trail should be fine.

Park easy to find - heads up gates dont open until 8AM however parked down the street at Bear Creek staging area. Trail in good condition however you need long pants the first 1 mile - fairly overgrown. Steep on the font end but levels out. Very nice views - very little coverage Didnt see anyone until mile 6 however was on trail at 630

This hike is ok, kind of boring though. As far as possible routes at Briones, I think you can probably piece together something yourself that is a lot more rewarding. Personally I wouldn't consider this hard but it's all relative. There's one stretch right in the beginning that is a little rough if you're not prepared but after that, it's pretty easy. Decent hike, good distance for something after work before sunset but overall, I don't think I'd do this one again.

Great hike. It is definitely not hard, but I guess that’s relative. I will say it was moderate for anyone at slow, fun pace. Pretty scenic even when I went on a cloudy day. Did a good amount of detours and climbed the Briones peak, which is not for everyone. Good views though and a much easier way back down through other trails. Saw some wild turkeys and a fox; not to mention lots of cattle. Wear good gripped shoes with enough threads. Some downhill parts of the trail are pretty slippery without good shoes.

Easy flat 5 hrs long loop around the Briones reservoir. Few nice lookouts from El Sobrante ridge. Be aware of lots of ticks on this trail hiding on tall grasses. Best for early morning before sun heats up the area

Nice long hike - 5.5 hours. I hiked in the rain today to test out my gear for an upcoming trek. Canopies, views, meadows and a little water fall. Truly amazing. I agree with others that this is a moderate hike vs hard. Highly recommended.